Canadian aquaculture science panel reports findings

Since its announcement to strengthen the country’s aquaculture industry, the Canadian government issued an independent panel to examine aquaculture science and how it informs decision-making.

The panel, led by Canada’s chief science advisor Dr. Mona Nemer, recommends that Canada hire a departmental science advisor; develops new initiatives to make the aquaculture sector more sustainable, including developing a framework for aquaculture risk management; and addresses jurisdictional challenges.

“Making decisions based on science and evidence is a top priority of the government,” a joint statement by fisheries minister Jonathan Wilkinson and science minister Kirsty Duncan reads.

“We have a collective responsibility to ensure that fish and their habitat are protected for future generations, and we take this responsibility very seriously,” the statement continued. “Since Budget 2016, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has hired more than 290 science professionals across the country to better protect and manage our oceans.”

The ministers said the government will continue working with its partners to maintain and rebuild wild salmon populations and their habitats, and to ensure scientifically backed decisions are made going forward.